HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 cc491-2
39. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, why the Sierra Leone Government have decided not to follow the lead of the Gold Coast and Nigerian Governments in the appointment of African unofficial members to the Executive Council?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)

The Sierra Leone Government is in full sympathy with the desire for the appointment of Africans as unofficial members of the Executive Council, and accepts in principle the policy of inclusion of both African and European un-officials in this Council. But the Governor has felt unable to recommend the appointment of any unofficials, whether European or African, at the present time since owing to the operational importance of Freetown, the business of Government in the exceptional circumstances of the war is so closely connected with matters concerning defence and seurity.

Mr. John Dugdale

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inform all Colonial Governments that we would welcome the appointment of unofficial African members to the Executive Council?

Mr. Sorensen

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many have been appointed?

Colonel Stanley

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down.